World Religions

5 Major Belief Systems

Judaism Star of David

Judaism – Fast Facts Oldest monotheistic religion –Both Islam and Christianity developed from it Followers called Jews Began circa 2000 BCE in Mesopotamian area (then Canaan) with covenant between God and Abraham

Central Belief Judaism began with covenant between God and Abraham. Jews believe in an all- loving, all-powerful God who is the creator and ruler of the universe. Jews are different from Christians because they do not believe Jesus was the Messiah or believe in the Trinity.

Sacred Writings/Texts Torah: God’s law and guidance Includes the same 5 books that are the first 5 in the Hebrew Bible, Old Testament The 10 Commandments Talmud: Important Jewish laws and traditions

Judaism Worship Leaders are known as rabbis. Worship is in a synagogue also called a ‘shul’ and sometimes a temple.

Holy Site Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem It is part of the, now destroyed, 2 nd temple that was built by King Herod

Christianity Cross

Christianity - Fast Facts Monotheistic Religion –Developed from Judaism Followers called Christians Began circa 45 CE in Jerusalem

Central Belief Christians believe in an all loving, all powerful God as in Judaism, but Christians also believe in Jesus as the Son of God being crucified and dying to be the messiah or savior for mankind. Christians believe in the Trinity.

Sacred Writings/Texts Bible: Old and New Testaments O.T. is from Jewish scriptures which tell about creation and the history of ancient Israel. N.T. includes the 4 Gospels and various epistles. Gospels written by Jesus’ disciples.

Christian Worship Worship services are generally led by priests or ministers. Worship is in churches.

Holy Site The Holy Land – generally refers to areas of Israel and Palestine. These are the lands of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. Included in these areas are many holy sites such as the cities of Jerusalem (Jesus’ teachings, Last Supper, Golgotha), Bethlehem (birth), Nazareth (hometown), River Jordan, and Sea of Galilee.

Islam Crescent and Star

Islam - Fast Facts Monotheistic Religion –Developed from Judaism Followers called Muslims, which means “obedient ones.” Believe that Allah, has no earthly form so representations of Allah (or Muhammad) are not permitted. Began circa 600 CE in Mecca, Arabia when Muhammad was said to have received a revelation from God that he was to be God’s prophet.

Central Belief- developed from Judaism 5 Pillars of Islam: 1.Testimony of Faith “There is no true god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the messenger (Prophet) of God. 2. Prayer 5 times a day: dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night 3. Support of the Needy 4. Fasting the month of Ramadan 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca

Sacred Writings/Texts Koran (Qur’an): Literal word of God given to Prophet Muhammad. It tells God’s will.

Islam Worship Worship is led by imam (a Muslim prayer leader). Worship in mosques.

Holy Site Kaaba in Mecca – place of worship which according to the Qur’an, God commanded his Prophets Abraham and Ishmael to build.

Hinduism The Om symbol is a sacred syllable representing Brahman

Hinduism - Fast Facts Polytheistic Religion Followers called Hindus Began circa prior to 2000 BCE in India Does not have 1 founder, rather religion gradually evolved as exchange of ideas over time and because of this the beliefs and practices vary widely in this religion.

Central Belief Teaches there are many paths to god – this contributes to the many different beliefs and worshiping practices. There is a basic belief in reincarnation and some common gods.

Hindu gods and goddesses: Stand for different parts of a single spirit/all powerful force known as brahman (absolute truth) 3 Important gods : Brahma – the creator Vishnu – the preserver - a kindly god concerned with the welfare of humans. Shiva – the destroyer

Reincarnation Rebirth of one soul (atman) into many bodies over time. Samsara is the endless cycle of death and rebirth. Dharma is a code of ideal behavior, but it varies according to one’s societal status and stage of life.

Reincarnation (cont.) Hindus believe that the actions of a person in this life affect their fate in the next. How good or bad someone behaves in this life will determine what they are born as in their next life. Hindus must obey their dharma or code of moral behavior. Hindus believe that all things must be treated with respect because all things are part of brahman. Many plants and animals are considered sacred.

Many Sacred Writings/Texts Upanishads – questions by pupils and answers by teachers Vedas – first religious writings spiritual truths

Hinduism Worship Worship in temples during holy days and other festivals. Worship everyday at shrines built in homes of believers to the gods of their choice. Worship leaders called Brahmin

Holy Sites Incredibly numerous amount of holy cities, rivers, temples. Many are based on legends regarding the gods/goddesses. Like many aspects of Hinduism, the holy sites differ given the various beliefs and practices. Kumbh Mela

Buddhism Dharma Wheel/Wheel of Law Symbol of Buddha’s teachings

Buddhism - Fast Facts Not a religion in the same way as the previous ones. –Buddhism is a philosophy or way of life in order to relieve human suffering. Followers called Buddhists. Began circa 500 BCE in India.

Central Belief Founded by Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, as he sought the answer to the meaning of life. Answer to human suffering is in right thinking and self-denial – the way to do this is The Middle Way.

Buddhism The Middle Way would eventually lead to nirvana, or lasting peace. To find this people must treat others fairly and give up selfish desires. The should also avoid violence and tell the truth at all times. The Eightfold Path Right Understanding Right Intention Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration

Sacred Writings/Texts Tripitaka – made up of three texts: 1.Vinaya Pitaka – rules for monks and nuns. 2.Sutra Pitaka – words of Buddha 3.Abhidharma Pitaka – commentaries on Buddha’s teachings

Buddhism Worship Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple. Monks are leaders that can assist in worship.

Holy Site Lumbini – birthplace of Buddha